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WEST JORDAN — There are undoubtedly extra challenges faced by refugee families while integrating into life in the U.S., some that might seem unimaginable to folks who have called the U.S. home for all of their lives.
In a move to alleviate some of these challenges, the Jordan Education Foundation partnered with Beddy's, a West Jordan company that produces one-piece zipper bedding sets, to donate 150 bedding sets to students and families in the Jordan School District as part of the foundation's "Bed'R Homes for Kids" campaign.
Refugee families and other families in need on Thursday went to the Jordan School District auxiliary services building, where they picked up bedding sets along with 200 brand new beds provided by local furniture warehouses and the Malouf Foundation.
In total, the donation from Beddy's equates to over $37,000 in bedding for students in the Jordan School District.
"We heard of a local need for kids in our community that need bedding," said Ang White, director of product at Beddy's said. "Gratitude is at the base of everything we do, and so that's part of why we're so grateful to be in a position that we can help these children — these kids are in our own community."
Indeed, there is a high need for essentials such as beds and bedding for students in the Jordan School District, Mike Haynes, Jordan Education Foundation director, said.
"Within our school district, there are about 2,000 (students) considered homeless. In addition to that, there has been a large increase in refugee population," Haynes said. "In January, we received over 750 new refugees that have come in from other countries, and they're coming in with nothing — those students are in the classrooms with needs."
Haynes said the foundation is appreciative of partnerships with local businesses that help fill the needs of students and their families who may be struggling.
"The volunteers, and the support and the donations that have come through to support this need has been overwhelming. I owe a ton of gratitude to those companies like Beddy's who have made a significant contribution to help," Haynes said.
The Jordan Education Foundation and Beddy's both emphasized that providing a secure sleeping environment for students carries an impact that will stretch beyond the home and into the classroom.
"When our students are sleeping on floors without bedding and pillows, they're not prepared to learn in the classroom," Haynes said. "This is essential for ensuring that kids get the best opportunity to learn."
"With these kids being able to have a warm place to sleep at night and get a good night's rest, that should make all the difference for these kids to be able to perform in school. We feel like it'll have a huge impact on not just their nights but their days as well," White said.
